Raksha Bandhan 2026: President Murmu, Vice President and PM Modi Celebrate Festival With Children
Raksha Bandhan was celebrated across India on August 28, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining children and school students at separate events in New Delhi. The celebrations brought the traditional festival of sibling affection and protection into the national spotlight, while giving students an opportunity to interact with the country’s top constitutional and political leaders.
President Droupadi Murmu celebrated Raksha Bandhan with children and students representing various schools and organisations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. According to the President of India’s official digital library, the programme was held on August 28, 2026, with students and children participating in the celebration.
The President’s interaction with students formed an important part of the celebration. Children from different educational backgrounds participated in the programme, reflecting the diverse nature of the country’s school community. The event provided an opportunity for students to meet the President and participate in a national-level celebration at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally observed as a festival symbolising affection, trust and mutual care between brothers and sisters. Over the years, public celebrations of the festival have also highlighted broader values such as social harmony, compassion and responsibility.
The President’s engagement with school students during the festival follows a similar initiative held in previous years. In 2025, President Murmu had interacted with students from government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and other institutions on Raksha Bandhan.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also celebrated Raksha Bandhan with school children at Uparashtrapati Bhavan. The children tied rakhis on the Vice President’s wrist during the programme. The event reflected the traditional values of love, trust and protection associated with the festival.
The Vice President’s interaction with school children added an educational and social dimension to the celebrations. Such programmes allow students to participate directly in national events while providing an opportunity for public figures to interact with younger generations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also celebrated Raksha Bandhan with children at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi. During the event, children interacted with the Prime Minister and tied rakhis on his wrist. Visuals from the celebration showed Modi engaging with the children in a friendly atmosphere.
The Prime Minister later shared photographs and moments from the celebration and extended his greetings to people across the country. He said he hoped the festival would strengthen bonds of affection and harmony and bring happiness, prosperity and joy to everyone.
The participation of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister in separate Raksha Bandhan programmes highlighted the importance of children and young people in public life. School students from different backgrounds were able to participate in events associated with the festival and interact with national leaders.
The celebrations also came as schools across several parts of India observed Raksha Bandhan through holidays or special programmes. School holiday arrangements varied between states and individual institutions, depending on local calendars and administrative decisions.
For students, such interactions can provide an opportunity to learn about national institutions and understand the cultural significance of important festivals. Meeting senior leaders can also encourage young people to take an interest in public life, national values and social responsibilities.
Raksha Bandhan has traditionally centred on the relationship between siblings, but public celebrations often emphasise the wider message of caring for and supporting one another. The participation of children from different regions and educational institutions at official events reinforced this broader message.
The celebrations by the three national leaders took place at different official residences and venues in New Delhi. President Murmu hosted students and children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, Vice President Radhakrishnan interacted with school children at Uparashtrapati Bhavan, and Prime Minister Modi marked the festival with children at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.
The events offered a combination of cultural celebration and interaction with young citizens. They also provided a platform for children to experience a national festival in the presence of senior public figures.
The Raksha Bandhan 2026 celebrations therefore became notable not only for the traditional festival rituals but also for the participation of school children in official programmes. The events involving the President, Vice President and Prime Minister reflected the continued emphasis on connecting national institutions with the younger generation.
As Raksha Bandhan was celebrated across the country, messages of affection, harmony, mutual respect and responsibility remained central to the occasion. The participation of children in celebrations hosted by national leaders added a distinctive dimension to this year’s festivities.